Market Overview
Lorton is pricier ($610K median vs $560K), a difference of about $50K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 17 in Rockville. Rockville offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.8M.
Lorton
VA
Rockville
MD
Median Price
$610K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
15 days
17 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.2M
$200K–$1.8M
Top Neighborhoods
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Rockville Town Center, Twinbrook, King Farm, Fallsgrove
Schools
Lorton has a 81% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. See Lorton schools | See Rockville schools
Lorton
VA
Rockville
MD
Avg Pass Rate
81%
85%
Public schools
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
Richard Montgomery High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Julius West Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Rockville is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Rockville has 3 Metro stations, including Rockville on the Red line. Major highway access: Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd), Rockville (I-270, I-495, Rt 355).
Lorton
VA
Rockville
MD
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
3 Metro stations (nearest: Rockville)
Metro Lines
N/A
Red
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
I-270, I-495, Rt 355, Rt 28
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
MARC (Brunswick Line)
Property Tax
On a $610K home in Lorton, you would pay ~$6,771/yr in property tax. In Rockville, a $560K home costs ~$5,533/yr. Rockville has the lower rate at $0.988 per $100 of assessed value.
Lorton
VA
Rockville
MD
Rate per $100
$1.110
$0.988
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,771/yr
$5,533/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
Montgomery County rate; City of Rockville adds $0.328
Walkability
Rockville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 52 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 18 in Lorton. Transit scores: Lorton (15) vs Rockville (42). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lorton Station and Rockville Town Center score much higher than suburban areas.
Lorton
VA
Rockville
MD
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
42
Bike Score
20
55
Safety
Lorton is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 33% below Virginia average. Rockville is rated "Average" (9% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Lorton
VA
Rockville
MD
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
1.1/1K
Property Crime
10.5/1K
14.2/1K
vs Virginia Avg
33% below Virginia average
9% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lorton or Rockville more affordable?
Rockville is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, compared to $610K in Lorton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M. Rockville prices range from $200K–$1.8M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Lorton and Rockville?
Lorton public schools have a 81% average SOL pass rate; Rockville has 85% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School; in Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School and Thomas S. Wootton High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Lorton or Rockville?
Rockville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Lorton has no direct Metro access. Rockville has Metro access (Rockville).
What are property taxes in Lorton vs Rockville?
Lorton has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$6,771/yr on a $610K home). Rockville's rate is $0.988 per $100 (~$5,533/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Lorton and Rockville compare?
Lorton is a revitalized community in southern Fairfax County, transformed by the Workhouse Arts Center and new residential development. Rockville is the seat of Montgomery County, offering a blend of urban amenities and suburban neighborhoods. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.
Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated June 2026.